Lilacs now have sun!

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

For many years, the next door neighbor's tree blocked the sun from mature lilacs that were here when I moved in, and kept them in deep shade. Needless to say, they did not thrive. I have not seen a blossom on them in years. About ten days ago the huge tree was removed, and suddenly my lilacs are in full sun for hours every day. They are already looking better - fuller and taller. Is there any way to "encourage" them over the summer? It may be too late to fertilize. Thanks for any advice....

Featured Answer

duluthinbloomz4

11 years ago

Leave them to their own devices. The one thing they do not need is an application of fertilizer. Getting sun should take care of any future blooming issues.

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Comments (6)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
just leave them alone ..

and dont be surprised if you end up with some leaf damage .. from them going from full dark shade.. to blistering sun ...

ignore it ... it will be lack of hardening off to the change ...

ken
emmi331 thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
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emmi331
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks to both....will they ever need fertilizer? I read somewhere they need it right after blooming time, but I will abide by your advice.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
pshaw ... probably told by a fert manufacturer or his agent ...

i grow about a dozen.. in glacial sand.. call that MI beach sand ..

never gave them anything in 16 years .. and some are getting bigger than my house ...

they are shrubs.. not children ... they will never need anything but a saw .. for some rejuvenation pruning.. when they get as big as your house ...

well they will need some water the first year.. in the heat of the summer.. due to the transplant .. and getting established ...

ken
emmi331
Original Author
11 years ago
When I was a kid, we had ginormous lilacs in our yard, and I don't remember my parents feeling the need to do anything. These are not transplants; they just were finally relieved of deep shade when the tree next to them was cut down. Thanks.
duluthinbloomz4
11 years ago
No, going on the assumption your soil isn't particularly deficient, fertilizer etc. is a waste of money. I have a very long dense hedge of the old Syringa Vulgaris planted in 1900 (they're just below peaking here now and are spectacular). The only care they get is arborist attention every 10-15 years to clear out dead wood, etc.